Srinagar, August 05:

J&K Bank conducted awareness camps at Parim-pora and Jenab Sahib Sou-ra, which were attended by a large number rural youth.Director RSETI Srinagar informed the participants about the purpose and working of RSETI.She deliberated in detail upon the advantages of self employment over wage employment. Lead District Manager and Facilitator FLCC Srinagar also spoke on the occasion.Inspector Fisheries Depart-ment, Head B/U Parim-pora, Head B/U Soura and Senior Inspector Fisheries

Department while conclud-ing the programme Direc-tor RSETI thanked the par-ticipants.Kupwara CampsJKB FLCC Kupwara in col-

laboration with Lead Bank Office and B/U Kulan-gam organised a financial awareness camp at Gov-ernment Boys High School Chowgul, Handwara.

Chaired by Head Mistress of the School, the camp was attended by about 400 stu-dents along with the teach-ing and non-teaching staff.Facilitator FLCC Kupwara apprised the participants them about opening of savings accounts with the banks and educated them about the advantages of savings with the banks for better and safe future.Lead District Manager ap-prised the audience about various services and prod-ucts of the bank.The Head Mistress of the school hailed the initiative of the bank for conducting such awareness camps and advised the participants

See Bank on Pg. 11

Srinagar, August 05:

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday expressed his wish to see youth of Jammu and Kash-mir “ruling the roast” in all fields of the life and steer the state towards the shore of peace, prosperity and development. Underlining youth as manag-ers of socio-economic develop-ment and architects of new and model the state, Omar Abdullah listed the measures initiated by his government to expand the orbit of opportunities for youth of Jammu and Kashmir to ex-cel and prove their mettle in all fields of life at the State and Na-tional levels.Talking to a deputation of youth at his Monday Awami Mulaqaat here, Omar said that holistic welfare of youth and empower-ing them to draw the road map of model Jammu and Kashmir is his cherished desire. “I want to see you ruling the roast in all fields of life and

steering Jammu and Kashmir towards the shore of peace, pros-perity and development”, Omar told them and listed the neces-sary provisions incorporated in State’s Development policy for the empowerment and develop-ment of youth in the State.According to KNS, as many as 30 deputations and scores of individuals met the Chief Minister during today’s Public Mulaqa-at and brought to his notice various issues relating to the commu-nity and of personal nature.The Chief Minister while speaking to vari-ous deputations highlighted the importance of utilising Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) for ensuring prompt and time bound delivery of services from the Government departments which have been brought under the ambit of PSGA. He said that 69 important Public Services

have been time bound under PSGA and asked the people to take the best advantage of the historic Act and get these ser-vices in a time bound manner.While accepting invitation for visiting various areas in Anant-nag, Baramulla, Ompora and Bandipora extended by the dep-

utations from these places led by the lo-cal leaders, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the people for supporting him and extending cooper-ation in maintenance of peace and carrying forward the develop-ment across the State.

The deputations from Rajouri, Shopian, Rafiabad, Khaag, Gan-derbal, Malroo, Hassanabad, Kupwara, Khodpora, Krungsoo, Pampore, Pulwama, Chuntwali-war, Qalampora, Soura, Cho-gam, Budgam and other places brought to the notice of Chief Minister the issues pertaining

to the construction of power re-ceiving stations, upgradation of roads, augmentation of drinking water and power supply, devel-opment of sports fields etc relat-ing to the development of these areas.Deputations of various organ-isations including Hussaini Wel-fare Organisation, SKUAST Vet-erinary Scientists Association, Fruit Growers Association, All J&K ETS Settlement Assistants Association, Daily Wagers Asso-ciation, ITI Daily Wagers Union etc in their meeting with the Chief Minister presented memo-randa of demands pertaining to the welfare of the members of these Associations.The individuals presented the is-sues of their personal concerns and sought the intervention of the Chief Minister for redressal of their grievances.The Chief Minister heard all pa-tiently and gave on the spot or-ders on matters of urgent

See Torch Bearers on Pg. 11

Tosmaidan lease extensionSrinagar, August 05:

A petition has been filed in State Human Rights Com-mission, seeking directions to the Jammu and Kashmir government not to extend the lease of Tosmaidan pasture in favour of Indian Ministry of Defence. The petition, likely to come up for hearing next week, has been filed a delegation of RTI Activists lead by Dr Raja Muzaffar Bhat and it suggested that ‘firing range’ should be shifted from Tos-maidan meadow to unin-habited area in Ladakh. “The state government may be direct not to extend the

lease of the area in favour of Union of India through Ministry of Defence as the life and property of the local residents is at stake,” the petitioner demands, accord-ing to KNS. “(Locals of the area) are not able to earn livelihood through tourist trade and exploitation of admissible forest produce (medicinal plants, herbs etc) could be the important source of their income,” the petition further demand. At present, the petition says, due to abject poverty and non availability of jobs, many local people are involved in severe timber

smuggling which has lead to death and destruction of the forests in Tosamaidan area. The petition seeks the pro-tection of basic human right to live of the inhabitants of villages Chell, Brass, Shon-glipora , Drang , and other villages located beneath and around Tosamaidan meadow in tehsil Khag and Khansahib of district Bud-gam.The RTI activists have highlighted that the Tosa-maidan is a vast beautiful pasture located under the foothills of Pir Panchaal mountain range in Khag- Khansahib area of Budgam.

Gulmarg is located nearby this place towards its north western side and one can trek to Poonch via this place. “But from mid 1960’s this area has been used as a firing range by Artillery regiment of Indian Army,” the petition says.“The firing drills have lead to death and destruction in the area which was never a deliberate attempt but has been always accidental but these deaths have indeed been caused by the military presence in the area.” The RTI activists said that they were not exaggerating the things at all, “but this is

See Lease on Pg. 11

Gulmarg, August 05:

The four officials of the for-est division Gulmarg have been arrested by police for their alleged involved in illegal trading of banned natural herbs from the for-ests.Reports said that Farooq Ahmad Bhat forester, Ab-dul Azaz Ganaie, forest guard, Mudasir Geelani, Watcher, Ghulam Ahmad Chopan, forest guard have been arrested by police yesterday night after a spe-cific information that they are involved in illegal trad-ing of natural herbs.“During the police raid, all

the four forest department officials were arrested with eight sacks (Bags) of banned natural herbs. The cost of the banner herbs is been estimated in lakhs,” a police official told CNS.The police have also regis-ter a case against the forest officials vide FIR number 15/2013 and have started further investigation about the case. Reports also said that some senior officials of the forest de-partment are also likely to be questioned about the case for their alleged involvement in smuggling the banned herb from for-est division Gulmarg.

Reports also said that these forest officials are having the patronage of the concerned senior of-ficers, who have deeply nexus with the local herb traders who are later ex-porting the natural herbs to outside state.It is not only the natural herbs which are being looted by the forest depart-ment officials in forest di-vision Gulmarg, the resi-dents of Tangmarg area claim that there is also deep rooted nexus timber smugglers and local forest department officials.The locals said that if the

See Loot on Pg. 11

Srinagar, August 05:

As a goodwill gesture on the eve of Shab-e-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr Jammu and Kashmir Police have released 50 youth who were alleg-edly involved in stone pelting incidents and were arrested by the police.Sources told KNS that 24 alleged stone pleters were released by city police north, 14 by city police south and 12 by Hazratbal police. The police have appealed the parents of youth to make it sure that their children aren’t involved in stone-pelt-ing.

Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr in 2011, the Chief Min-ister Omar Abdullah had announced that his government will withdraw the charges against nearly 1200 youth booked on the charges of stone-pelt-ing in 2010 summer unrest. “The youth should consider this gesture of the Govern-ment as the gesture of elders towards the young and as an Eidi (Eid Gift) on the occa-sion of Eid,” Omar had said. However, families of most of these youth and separatist leaders later claimed that

See Eid Gesture on Pg. 11

Eid Gesture

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

CMYK

TuESDAY August 06 | 2013 | 27 Ramzan 1434 AH | PAGES 12 | VOL NO: 3 | ISSuE NO: 192 | RS: 2/- (AIR SuRCHARGE FOR JAMMu /DELHI/LEH 50 PAISA)Pen For JusticeLargely Circulated, No. 1 Bilingual Daily of J&K

Be the torch bearers of the Development

Assures to form

institutions, laws

Srinagar, August 05:

Taking tough stand against political corrup-tion in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Min-ister Omar Abdullah has vowed that he would make it sure that whoso-ever is involved in cor-ruption won’t be spared.

In an interview to KNS recently, Omar said, “We can form institutions and laws to eradicate cor-ruption. But it’s people who have to use them. We constituted Account-ability Commission (AC) and Vigilance Commis-sion and posted compe-tent people to run these institutions. We passed Public Services Guaran-tee Act (PSGA) and Right to Information (RTI) Act to bring transparency in the functioning of the government. Whatever we could do to eradicate corruption we have done that.”

He said that people should approach these institutions if somebody is demanding bribe from them. Asked that AC chairman Justice (Retd) Nargotra had apprehended that he may have to face political pressures while dealing with high profile corrup-tion cases, Omar said, “I request him (Nargotra) through your interview he should come and say who tried to influence him and should expose them. He should tell who are the people who influ-ence him. I have never

See Omar on Pg. 11

Omar vows to eradicate political corruption from J&K

Srinagar, August 05:

State Congress leaders Mon-day held a meeting at party headquarters here where they requested the minister from the party to boycott the cabinet meetings in the wake of allegations levelled by Additional General Sec-retary of National Confer-ence Dr Sheikh Mustafa Kamal against the Congress leadership.Senior Vice P r e s i d e n t State Con-gress and MLC Ghulam Nabi Monga told KNS that Kamal’s statements are against the coalition dhar-ma and he should apologise unconditionally for his baseless outbursts time and again against the Congress leadership.“If Kamal won’t apologise, it will widen the cracks within the coalition. State Congress chief Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz is being respected everywhere and we can’t tolerate anybody levelling false allegations against him,” he said.

“We can go to any extent if someone talks against the Congress and our presi-dent,” he said and claimed that National Conference has failed to control Kamal who is time and again is-suing useless and baseless statements against the Con-gress.A Congress spokesper-son in a statement to KNS said Abdul Gani Khan,

Anayatullah Rather, Fa-rooq Andrabi, Syed Yaseen Shah, Zahid Hussain Jan, Master Mohammad Maq-bool, Gulam Mohammad Shiekh, Khursheed Ahmad Zargar, Nissar Ahmad Khan and others attended the meeting.Speaking on the occasion Congress leaders strongly condemned abusive ut-terances of Kamal against its senior leaders. “Kamal should know that they are

See State Cong on Pg. 11

State Cong takes on NC

J&K Bank holds awareness camps

http://www.zabarwantimes.com

Srinagar, August 05:

Large scale alleged bun-gling have been reported in providing tent service to Amarnath yatries in Anant-nag and Ganderbal districts during this year’s pilgrim-age.Sources told KNS that blue-eyed persons and non-locals were allowed to provide tent service to the yatries in Sheshnag base camp in Pahalgam after they paid bribe of Rs two to three thousand each. “Permis-sion was given to 2095 tent owners in Pahalgam this year but most of them were outsiders who got the per-mission after paying the bribe,” they claimed.

Zonal Security Officer Sheshnag Ajay Sharma told KNS that Tent Asso-ciation Pahalgam president Ghulam Hassan and other approached him with a complaint that some em-ployees in Tehsildar office Pahalgam and Assistant Commissioner Revenue of-fice in Anantnag have given permission to some people to install the tents illegally after they paid bribe.“When I probed the matter I could make it that there has been a large scale bungling in providing permissions to the tent owners. I asked the complainants to register their complaint with camp magistrate Sheshnag

See Tent Service on Pg. 11

Allegations of bungling in tent service for yatries

Loot of natural herbs goes unabated

Omar to J&K youth

50 stone-pelters released

Petition seeking no extension in SHRC filed

Asks its ministers to boycott cabinet meetings

Police nabs four officials of the forest division Gulmarg

Srinagar, August 05:

Police on Monday bust-ed a gang selling fake ce-lestial stones by arrest-ing six persons in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. A police spokesman told KNS that acting on spe-cific information, police station Ashmuqam ar-rested four cheaters who were duping people by selling fake celestial stones locally known as “Trata Goola” having magical powers. Those arrested, he said, include Ghulam Hassan Mir son of Mohammad

Akbar of Fohar, Shabir Ahmad Akhoon son of Ghulam Hassan of Mati Gawran, Gull Moham-mad Bhat son of Abdul-lah Bhat of Sakhdas and Ghulam Rasool Mir son of Mohammad Akbar of Shatru Kokernag.Aishmuqam Police registered a case FIR number 63/2013 under section 420,511 against the cheaters and in-vestigation has been started.“SSP Anantnag has is-sued an advisory for the people not to fall prey to such cheaters and fraudsters,” the spokes-

man added.Meanwhile, in similar cheating incident in Bijbehara, the spokes-man said, two cheaters were arrested by the police who were dup-ing gullible people by selling the “magical stone.” He arrested the ‘cheat-ers’ as Gulzar Ahmad Khan son of Arif Khan of Nishat Srinagar and Mohammad Shameem Rather son of Moham-mad Sultan of Behama Ganderbal. A case FIR No (139/2013) under 420 RPC was registered against them.

6 arrested for selling fake celestial stones in Anantnag

Srinagar, August 05:

Six days after series of cloudbursts wreck havoc, normal life has returned to Kargil in ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir. A police official told KNS that a series of cloudbursts and mudslides, triggered by incessant rains, on July 31 wreaked destruction in the Kargil. The efforts of Police, volunteers of SDFR

See Kargil on Pg. 11

Life limps back to

normal in cloudburst hit Kargil

One die in roof collapse in Budgam Srinagar August 05, 2013: 40 years old, Mohammad Ayoub Kalas son-in-law of Ghulam Ah-mad Bith resident of Gurweith Kalan, Khansahib died when the roof of his under construc-tion house collapsed and fell over him. The body of deceased was handed over to his relatives for last rites. Budgam Police has registered a case in this regard.

Body of missing person recovered in Budgam Srinagar August 05: The body of 65 years old Ghulam Moham-mad Wani son of Abdul Ahad resident of Khaitran, Najan who was missing since from 03-08-13 was found in an open field at Khaitran, Beerwah. Police after completing all legal for-malities handed over the body to his relatives. Beerwa Police has started the investigation to ascertain the cause of the death.

Contractor crushes labourer to deathShopian, August 05: A contrac-tor in South Kashmir’s Shop-ian district was arrested by police for allegedly crushing a labourer to death.According to reports, contrac-tor Mohammad Amin Kandoo lost control over his Wagon R (JK04A-2030) in main bazaar Shopian and crushed a labourer to death. The deceased was identified as Shakil Ahmed Dar son of Ghulam Hassan Dar resi-dent of Chogalpora, Noorabad.Police arrested the contractor and registered a case vide FIR number 42/2013 under section 302 of RPC.

2 died, 3 injured in road mishaps Srinagar August 05, 2013: Two persons died and three others were injured in different road accidents across the valley.A Wagon-R bearing registration number JK04A/2030 on way from Shopian to Herpora hit a pedestrian, Shakeel Ahmad Dar son of Ghulam Hassan resident of Chogalpora, Kulgam near Y-Junction Mughal road office, resulting in his on spot death. The body of deceased was handed over to his relatives. Shopian police has registered a case in this regard.Meanwhile, a Maruti 800 hit two motorcycles bearing regis-tration number JK01F/7156 and Chasis number 07943 at Chat-tergam, resulting in injuries to both the motorcyclist. Both the injured were shifted to Chat-tergam hospital where one of the injured identified as Reyaz Ahmad Sheikh succumbed to his injuries. Police has regis-tered a case in this regard and investigation is on.In another accident, a mo-torcycle bearing registration number Jk01G/4204 met with an accident at Kangan, result-ing in injuries to motorcyclist Uroje Ahmad Bagwan son of Mohammad Shafi and a pillion Mohammad Saleem Kaka. Both the injured were shifted to Hos-pital for treatment. Ganderbal Police has registered a case in this regard.

Promotions in Armed PoliceSrinagar August 05: Additional Director General of Police Armed J&K, Shri S. M. Sahai today ordered the promotions of 110 Sg. Constables to the rank of Head Constables and 200 Constables to the rank of Sg. Constables.A Departmental Promotion Committee that meet today under the Chairmanship of Additional Director General of Police Armed J&K, Shri S. M. Sahai ordered the promotions of 110 Sg. Constables to the next rank of Head Constables and 200 Constables to the rank of Sg. Constables.

See Promotions on Pg. 11

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 05

Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah Monday launched Kashmir Pashmina GI mark to be imprinted in the form of label on every hand woven Kashmiri Pashmina Shawl at the Testing and Quality Certification Centre also inau-gurated by the Chief Minister Monday at Craft Development Centre here.The label will be attached to each hand woven Kashmiri Pashmina shawl after testing the originality of fabric, fine-ness of thread, spinning method and weaving technology. Kashmir Pash-mina Mark would also indicate details of the manufacturer and the quality of the shawl. It carries a number about which all details will be on the website.Interacting with the Pashmina weav-ers, traders and other stake holders in the trade, the Chief Minister said that restoration of the handicrafts glory of the State and economic prosperity of artisans is his endeavour adding that all possible measures are being put

into place in this regard.“My effort is to remove all fake handicrafts being sold in the State in the name of Kashmir’, he said adding that to start with spurious Pashmina shawls would be replaced by the Kashmir patent hand woven original Pa-shmina shawls to make genuineness rule the roast in Pashmina manufactur-ing in the State ensuring respect and substantial re-muneration to the weavers. He said establishment of testing laboratory at Craft Development Institute (CDI), Nowshera here is vanguard step to stop fake and unscrupulous trade in Handicrafts sector. He said Government has already obtained geographical indication for six handicrafts and all these would be provided similar test-

ing facilities and geographical indica-

tion marks so that their marketing in the National and International market

receive considerable fillip.Omar Ab-dullah gave two years target to Craft Develop-ment Institute to re-place all fake Pashmina shawls from the market ensuring cent percent labelling of hand woven patent Kashmir Pash-mina so that confidence and trust is built in the world market about the genuineness of Kash-mir Pashmina Shawls and a customer could easily identify the fake and the original Kash-mir Pashmina shawls.Replying various ques-tions of the artisans, the Chief Minister said that his Government would take all possible mea-sures to strengthen the

handicrafts sector and ameliorate the lot of artisans. “When machine made

and fake handicrafts are differentiated from hand-made once, the purchasers would buy the genuine items thus giv-ing boost to the economy of artisans”, he told them.The Chief Minister also advised the artisans not to be part in any hanky-panky so far as manufac-turing of genuine and pure Kashmir Handicrafts are concerned. He told them that their respect and economic betterment is in scrupulous dealing and honest manufacturing.

The MLA Zadibal, Peer Afaq Ahmad, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Shantmanu, who was actively involved in the establishment of test-ing laboratory as Commissioner Sec-retary Industries, Secretary Industries, President Pashmina Tahafuz Society, President KCCI and various officers were also present on the occasion.

The artisans thanked the Chief Minister for his keenness towards economic and social development of people associated with handicrafts in the state.

To ease traffic conges-tion, Metro networks

proposed from Gallandar to Narbal, Nowgam to

Ganderbal SRINAGAR, AUGUST 5: Government

has proposed a Metro network for greater Sri-nagar to overcome mounting traffic congestion in the city. The proposed metro lines span from Gallandar on the South upto Narbal Chowk on the North and from Nowgam Railway Station upto Ganderbal.This information was given at a high-level meeting held here Monday under the chairmanship of Minister for Urban Develop-ment & Urban Local Bodies, Mr Nawang Rigzin Jora to review the progress of Srinagar Master Plan.The meeting was informed that the scar-city of quality and planned road networks be-sides the lack of organized parking facilities in the Srinagar city has led to high degrees of traf-fic congestion that is going to aggravate further in the coming time. To overcome the traffic and transportation problems in the city, Govern-ment has, in the new Master Plan, proposed a network of light metro and mini metro besides suggesting a network of new roads, flyovers, grade-separators and subways for Srinagar.

The meeting was informed that out

of the two proposed Metro lines, the one origi-nating from Gallandar, the take-off point of the new expressway, after passing through Pam-pore, Sumarbugh, Panthachowk, Sonawar, Dal-gate, Lal Chowk, Jehangir Chowk, Batamaloo, Bemina, JVC, Parimpora, Zainakote, Lawaypora, would end at Narbal Crossing.

The second Metro line would operate from Nowgam Railway Station and after mov-ing over to Bagh-e-Mehtab would pass through

Chanapora, Natipora, Rambagh, Mehjoor Nagar, Jawahar Nagar, LD Hospital, Jehangir Chowk, Barbarshah, Baba Demb, Khanyar, Nowhatta, Hawal, Alamgari Bazaar, Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan, Nowshehra, SKIMS, Soura-Buchpora, Pandach and culminate at Ganderbal.

Jehangir Chowk would form the junc-tion of the two Metro lines which would pro-

vide reliable connectivity to the core area of the city.

The meeting was informed that besides delineating a transportation plan, the Srinagar Master Plan has earmarked dedicated hubs for various specialized activities including educa-tion, information technology, industry, agro ac-tivities, tourism, handicrafts and health care.

The meeting was informed that for the first time the Srinagar Master Plan would in-

clude the Zonal Plans, wherein the land use plan would be enumerated at the micro-level.

The meeting was informed that before being put in the public domain, Chief Minister Mr Omar Abdullah would take a thorough re-view of the draft Master Plan. Pertinently, the Technical Committee has already put forth its suggestions on the Master Plan, which already

stand incorporated in the draft Land Use Plan. The midterm review of the Srinagar

Master Plan 2000-2021 was undertaken by Government in February 2012 to suggest ways and means to make the document more realis-tic and implementable in consonance with the ground realities, besides taking care of inaccu-racies in the existing Mater Plan.

Pertinently, Government Board in a landmark decision last month approved exten-sion of Greater Srinagar local area from the ex-isting 417 kms to 757 kms.

Government has proposed extension of the existing City limits towards South, West and Northern directions along the new motor-way coming up from Gallandar via Narbal upto Ganderbal. In the extended Greater Srinagar lo-cal area, 410 sq kms will fall under Government limits against existing 160 kms, 240 sq kms under Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) limits, 50 kms under Ganderbal, 35 kms under Budgam, 9 kms under Pampore, 7.5 kms under Khrew and 5.2 kms under Cantonment area.

As per the new Master Plan, the boundaries of Greater Srinagar would encom-pass Dara-Fakri and Dachigam National Park on Northeast, Zabarwan hills from Khunmoh towards Khrew on the East, Kakapora Railway Station on Southeast, Budgam local area upto Gallandar on South, Mazhama Railway station & road towards Gulmarg on the Southwest and Buran, Ganepur in Pattan towards the West.

Daily ZABARWAN TIMES NEWS Srinagar |tueSday 06 .8 .2013

KULGAM, AUGUST 05

Arrangements for the Shab-i-Qadr and Eid-ul-Fitr were finalized at a joint meeting of Police, Civil officers and trad-ers convened here this morning under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam.

The meeting stressed for forging perfect synergy to fa-cilitate public and ensure availability of essential commodi-ties and services to the people. All the sectoral heads were directed to activate their field functionaries to ensure the service- delivery is improved to the best satisfaction of the consumers.

It was decided in the meeting that under the supervi-sion of Tehsildars joint squads of police, CA&PD, Health and Municipal officials shall undertake market checking in every Tehsil and block headquarter to maintain price line with focus on meat, milk, vegetables and fruits. They will also monitor that quality essentials are made available to consumers on the genuine and notified rates.

Executive Officers were asked to undertake special sani-tation drives and ensure cleanliness premises of Shrines, Mosques and Eidgahs. They were directed to spruce up the roads and lanes and cleanse drains to give festive look to the towns and market places ahead of the festival days.

Power and PHE departments were asked to ensure unin-terrupted power and water supply during the festival days. The Power department was asked to ensure that no unneces-sary power disruptions take place and avoid inconvenience to the public at all costs.

The Co-operative department has set up sale centres where chicken and trout fish are available at Rs. 100/- per kg and Rs. 260/- per kg respectively. These centres have been es-tablished at Kulgam, Qoimoh, Yaripora, Manzgam to facilitate the public. The Fisheries department has also established fish sale centre at Chancer where quality fish is made available to consumers.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST, 05:

The Minister for Rural Develop-ment and Panchayati Raj, Ali Moham-mad Sagar has directed the officers to carry out the necessary acquisition at Bul-Bul Lankar in old city, so that the area can be developed on heritage pattern.

The Minister was addressing of-ficers during a meeting convened to discuss the status of various develop-mental activities undertaken by the Government for ensuring the devel-opment of Srinagar city.

The meeting was attended by se-nior officers of R&B, PHE, PDD LAWDA, SMC and other departments.

Sagar said that the Government has already envisaged a comprehen-sive plan for developing the Bul-Bul Lankar-Aali Kadal area on heritage pattern as this area holds pivotal role in the history of the State. He said that the officers should carry on the nec-essary acquisition so that the work on this area and its catchments can be carry forward. He also directed the officers to prepare a project report for undertaking the construction of the community hall in the area as soon as possible as the same was announced

by the Chief Minister while dedicating the newly renovated shrine of Bul-Bul Sahib to the people.

“We have already formulated a comprehensive plan for undertaking the development of old city Srina-gar on heritage pattern which would include development of river fronts, craft bazars, restoration of various old monuments so that the old city comes up on the tourist map which would go a long way in elevating the socio-economic profile of the people living

in these areas besides providing the much needed employment opportu-nities to the youth of the area”, the Minister asserted asking the officers to synergize their efforts for ensuring time bound completion of the works.

The Minister also directed the PDD officers to carry out the neces-sary realignment of the electric poles en-route the Syed Mirakh Shah Road project, so that the work and the land-scaping can be carried out by the con-cerned departments.

The train is headed out, so you’d better hop on, Aries. People won’t be too sympathetic to your emotional sob story today, so keep it quiet. Whining will most certainly get you kicked off the train altogether. The energy of today is teach-ing you to toughen up. Don’t take it personally, but realize that there are important lessons to learn. One is to know when to be silent and obedient.

Jump into action with energy today, Taurus. Order others around and delegate tasks for a change. An aggressive ap-proach is what’s needed, and you have the ability to deliver the goods. Trying to do everything yourself may seem like a great idea at first, but you’re better off enlisting help so oth-ers can feel more involved and you can concentrate on doing a better job on fewer tasks.

Guard your heart well today, Gemini. It’s a prime target for the abrasive words being tossed around. Your sensitivity leaves you feeling alone and naked in the harsh atmosphere. You might be better off staying in bed. If you decide to go out, be prepared. Know your weaknesses so you can use your energy resources most efficiently.

A position involving power and authority is opening up, and you’re the perfect one for the job, Cancer. Today’s astro-logical aspect is helping you find the necessary confidence and physical strength. You have the emotional and physical boost you need to feel good about your leadership abilities. This is a time to take control of the situation.

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but names will never hurt you, Leo. The problem with today’s energy is that there just may be some sticks and stones tossed in your di-rection. Be on the lookout for such airborne adversity. Pow-erful forces are operating with emotional aggression. War can break out if you aren’t careful. Try to maintain the peace. You may need to seek shelter.

Emotionally speaking, things might get tense for you today as others demonstrate a rather selfish attitude, Virgo. Remember that selfishness isn’t always considered negative. Sometimes it’s healthy and necessary to take on a self-cen-tered role. Remember that you need to take care of number one at all times. Don’t try to pick a fight when other people also demonstrate this behavior.

You might be quite stirred by the general energy today, Libra. “Stirred” may be too light a word. Put on your armor and get ready to do battle. Others may cower when they see what’s going on outside, but you will want to jump into the fray. Strong emotions are the weapons of the day. Everyone knows that you have a strong arsenal in this department.

Move in for the kill today, Scorpio. Don’t stop until you succeed. Don’t let other people’s insecurities become yours. Have confidence in yourself and the way you act around oth-ers. Just because someone else feels sad, that doesn’t mean you have to just to make him or her feel better. The best thing you can do is turn the situation around by exhibiting happiness and a fun-loving attitude.

Now is the perfect time to say something you’ve been meaning to say for quite a while, Sagittarius. Get it out in the open. Keeping it inside is only eating away at your in-ternal mechanisms. Stop worrying about the consequences and make the move. Today is a day to be bold and aggressive. Other people might respond similarly, so if you dish it out, be sure you can take it.

Your opinions might be the focus of conversation all day, Capricorn. You have a very strong will that you aren’t afraid to express. You will get that chance. Enlighten others with your wealth of knowledge. Take control of the conversation and accept the mental challenge of trying to win other peo-ple over to your side. Whether you’re successful or not, you will have a good time trying.

Your sensitive heart may be touched by anger today, Aquarius. Don’t be afraid of hurting other people’s feelings as you express this emotion. You’d be doing yourself and other people a disservice by not revealing the true scope of your emotions. The other parties involved may not have all the facts necessary to make the most educated decision. Aid this process by revealing your perspective.

You might feel a great deal of physical power today, Pi-sces. If someone asks you to help move a couch, you’re likely to be able to pick the whole thing up by yourself. Don’t sell yourself short. You have more internal strength than you re-veal to others. There’s no need to hide it any longer. Make use of this great power.

CM launches Kashmir Pashmina GI mark

Restoration of Handicrafts’ glory my endeavour: Omar

Bul-Bul Lankar to be developed on heritage pattern: Sagar

Arrangements for Shab-i-Qadr, Eid-ul-Fitr finalized at Kulgam

Jora reviews preparation of Srinagar Master Plan

Feroz Khan calls on CMDiscusses relief for Kargil cloud

burst affectedSRINAGAR, AUGUST 05: Minister of State for Science and Technology, Feroz Ah-

mad Khan Monday called on Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah here and apprised him of the damage caused by the recent cloud burst in Kargil in which two people are also reported to have lost their lives.

During the meeting, the Minister highlighted the need for providing special package to the affected families and presented a copy of the preliminary report pre-pared by the Deputy Commissioner, Kargil in this regard.

Government of Jammu & Kashmir

Office of the Chief Education Officer BaramullaOffice: Kanlibagh Road, Mini Secretariat Baramulla

NotificationSubsequent to the applications received by the Zonal Education Officer the following candidates on the basis of relative academic merit in the concerned revenue village/ward/habitation have emerged as the prospective candidates for engagement as RT. Any person aggrieved with

his/her merit status may represent in writing with documentary evidence before the concerned ZEO within seven days from the date of publication of this notification. After expiry of the deadline no representation will be entertained.

S. No Name of the Zone

Area of Selection Revenue Village

Name of the Candidate

Parentage Residence Date of Birth Qualification Marks in Highest Acad.

Exam

School were to be engage

Scheme Remarks

1. Fatehgarh Gantamulla Jahangir Khan Farooq Ahmad Khan Gantamulla Bla 20-02-84 B.A, M.Ed 858/1800 M/s Gantamulla Bala In terms of G.O No. 635 of 2010 followed by G.O 522 of 2013 dated: 08-05-2013

Promotion

2. Fatehgarh Gantamulla Musrat Mustafa Gh. Mustafa Mir Gantamulla Bla 01-04-88 M.A, B.Ed 478/800 GPS Gantamulla -do- Promotion

3. Fatehgarh Dangerpora Farooq Ahmad Wani Mohd. Assadullah Wani Dangerpora 14-11-89 B.A, B.Ed 987/1800 MS Dangerpora -do- Promotion

4. Fatehgarh Sheeri Irshad Ahmad Pir Pir Shamas-u-Din Sheeri 05-11-83 M.A, M.Ed 910/1600 PS Sheeri Bala -do- Promotion

5. Fatehgarh Badmulla Safoora Nazir Nazir Ahmad Bagwan Badmulla 23-11-86 M.A, B.Ed 758/1600 MS Badmulla -do- Promotion

6. Fatehgarh Zandfaran Parvaiz Ahmad Malik Ghulam Mohd. Malik Zandfaran 05-02-83 M.Sc, B.Ed 1253/2400 MS Zandfran -do- Promotion

7. Fatehgarh Kalayban Afrooza Rahim D/o Ab. Rahim Wani W/o Jam-sheed Ahmad Khan

Kalayban 01-05-87 M.A, M.Ed 492/800 GMS Gujjarpati -do- Promotion

8. Fatehgarh Kitchama Hilal Ahmad Parray Ghulam Mohd. Parray Kitchama 08-06-84 M.A, B.Ed 926/1600 GPS Kitchama -do- Retirement

DIPK: 5635 Chief Education Officer Baramulla

E ++HHEAAL L HH5 ZABARWAN TIMES

TUESDAY | 06 AUG 20138 ZABARWANTIMES

How diabetes links to leg and feet problems

Diabetes can invite complications if proper per-sonal care, fitness and diet are not followed.Today, we take a look at serious repercussions of diabetes on leg problems. Legs, especially the feet, receive far less blood compared to other parts of the body, and for diabetics this could spell foot trouble. Dr. Sanjeev Bhamba-ni, Diabetes and Endocrinologist at Moolchand Medcity gives you a step-by-step rundown on this grave issue.

How is diabetes linked to feet and leg prob-

lems?Dr. Sanjeev says, "Foot problems in diabetics result from poor circulation, nerve damage and decreased resistance to infection. High blood sugar level over a long period may affect blood vessels and nerves. There are various conditions that affect people with diabetes that may result in leg and foot problems."

Diabetic neuropathy"Diabetes causes damage to the nerves in the feet and legs. Generally, injuries remain unno-ticed and cause sharp pain in the feet common-ly known as diabetic foot," says the Doctor.

Peripheral vascular dis-ease

"Elevated blood sugar levels over time affect the circulation and blood flow. This may cause ulcer and gangrene."

How about the link be-tween morbid obesity

and diabetes?This is a question that has several obese people worried; Dr. Sanjeev makes the link between obesity and diabetes: "Obesity is defined as having a BMI greater than 27 (as per Indian

body structure). Approximately two-thirds of adults with Type 2 diabetes are obese. Diabetics are at higher risk for cardiovas-cular disease, and obesity fur-ther increases this risk. Obesity also increases other diabetes complications including end-stage kidney disease. Other complications may include sleep apnea syndrome, arthritis and fatty liver disease."

Some stats on the cases of dia-betes and limb amputations...

The picture is unflattering; here's what the dia-betologist reveals, "All over the world in every 30 seconds, a leg is lost to due to diabetes. 15% of the total diabetic population develops foot ulcers. All over, 85% of all diabetes-related am-putations are preceded by foot ulcers. Thus it is advisable that patients should daily inspect their feet and consult the doctor as soon as they find an ulcer or an infection in the foot."

What are the signs of tissue and skin dam-

age?He says, "In diabetic patients blood glucose is high and body loses fluid. Due to insufficient fluid skin gets dry. Dry skin tends to crack or split more easily and wounds heal more slowly in diabetics. Thus skin conditions should be treated as soon they're noticed, to prevent them."He breaks it down further, "There are various signs of tissue and skin damage, which can be categorized as:Dry skin is one of the most common symptoms among diabetes due to loss of body fluid and

frequent urination.Itchy skin could be another prior symptom which can be triggered by poor blood flow. Itching can be confined to one spot or may occur in many parts of the body especially in lower legs and feet.Digital sclerosis due to excess production of collagen among Type 1 diabetic patient re-sults in waxy, tight skin on toes, fingers and hands. Dryness, burning, numbness and skin ulcers could be due to neuropathy when nerves are damaged. Patient suffers from pain in the lower extremities, burning and numbness. As a result, nerves in the legs and feet may not re-lease sweat which is required to keep skin soft and moist."At what stage must one consult a specialist?"One should immediately consult a specialist if he/she experiences any of the following symp-toms:- Changes in skin color- Swelling in the foot or ankle- Pain in the legs- Open sores on the feet that are slow to heal or are draining- Toenails with fungus infection- Corns or calluses- Dry cracks in the skin

Stretch your way to fitness

Willingly or cribbing, all of us tend to squeeze in some exercise in our daily routine. But we are lazy enough to skip the most important part of it- stretches. According to studies, stretches are vital in our daily workout and equally important if not more, than the actual exercise. Harbouring a capacity to leave one unfit for exer-cise if avoided continually, stretches prove extremely beneficial for our good health. If done properly, stretches are known to reduce muscle soreness to a large extent. They affect the body's flexibility which plays an important role in deciding our strength and stamina. They also affect our swiftness or speed level. While it is necessary to do a whole body stretch, individual muscle stretches loosen up every muscle that has been worked upon. Quadriceps, hamstring, calves, biceps, triceps, all need their share of stretch. Stretching should be a gradual process and should not be done in a hurry. If done too quickly, they can cause the muscle to contract. To avoid this, one can include stretches in-between the training after the exercise of each muscle group instead of keeping it as the final act. When the sweet burning sensation while stretching is a pleasurable experience you know you are on the right track. The tightening of muscles during exercise also affects the mobility of the joints and stretching helps in relieving them. The correct holding time of a stretch is the key to achieve the required effect. An average time of 30 seconds, is what is recommended by doctors. But in case of discom-fort, one has to immediately stop pushing oneself out of limits. Another important benefit is that stretches prolong one's exercise age. As stretches play a major role in saving one from injuries, they reduce the rate of degeneration of muscles and hence keep one fit to exercise for long. So, do your stretches properly and be fitter

How to keep anxiety in checkControl your anxiety before it gets out of hand with these minor tweaks to your lifeAnxiety is something we all experi-ence from time to time — from ten-sion before an exam or interview to feeling butterflies in our stomachs on a first date. And a little anxiety can actually be useful. Feeling nervous can get the adrenalin pumping and make you more alert. But it's when short-term anxiety becomes a more long-term condition that problems start.Chronic anxiety can be crip-pling and may lead to an inability to concentrate, constant nausea, palpita-tions and insomnia. It can also cause other conditions such as depression and even agoraphobia. The important thing to remember about controlling anxiety is quickly conquering it before it gets out of hand — which means managing your stress well.Choose low GI foodsYour brain needs a steady supply of glucose to enable it to function prop-erly. Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can affect the brain, leading to mood swings, anxiety and even panic attacks. So try to eat foods that have a low GI

(glycaemic index) such as multigrain bread, brown rice, sweet potatoes, car-rots and bananas.Increase vitamin B intakeAn adequate intake of this vitamin is essential for a healthy nervous system. All B vitamins are involved in the con-trol of tryptophan, an amino acid used to make the chemical serotonin, that helps regulate mood.A balanced diet containing meat, fish, eggs, dairy and green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds should supply enough Vitamin B. But if you are not getting enough, take Vitamin B supplements.Limit your alcohol intakeIf you are stressed, anxious or depressed, it may be tempting to drown your sorrows with a stiff drink as alcohol can initially make you feel calmer. A recent study sug-gested people suffering from anxiety were likely to drink heavily. But if you suffer from anxietyrelated disorders, including depression, you should consider limiting your alcohol intake as it affects anxiety-reducing neurotransmitters. Also, once the alcohol wears off, you may be left feeling more anxious because alcohol has a depressant effect.Keep a stress diary

Over the next few weeks, note which situations, times, places and people make you stressed. Once you have identified these, think about each one and ask yourself 'Can I avoid it?'.For example, if you find that driving to work is stressful, perhaps you can avoid it by finishing work a bit earlier or later, or by car-sharing with a col-league.Slow down Many of us are living our lives at a fast-er pace, perhaps juggling a fulltime job with a relationship, family commit-ments and a social life. As a result, we feel a constant sense of urgency in our daily lives.This endless feeling of pressure fuels our impatience when we have to wait in a queue or traffic jam, or when the bus or train is late. Instead of stress-ing about delays, see them as op-portunities for welcome thinking or reading.Drink plenty of waterYour brain needs sufficient water to function properly. Even mild dehy-dration can affect mental well-being. Symptoms of dehydration include restlessness and irritability.

Constipation is an uncomfortable condition. Previously, we covered the foods that you must eat on a regular basis to tackle constipation. On the other side of the healthy-un-healthy food spectrum, there are also some popular foods that you should avoid if you want to stay away from constipation. We give you 5 foods to exclude from your diet. Processed food: Whether it is frozen foods or burgers and pizzas, it is go-ing to make your mornings hard to get through, literally. When food is preserved and ready to eat, vital nutrients are drained out, plus the ingredients used are cheap. For ex-ample, all purpose flour or maida is used practically in all pizzas, breads and instant noodles. Bottomline: Processed food has less fiber hence they linger in your sys-tem causing discomfort. Bakery goodies: Nankhatais, kharis and tea biscuits are rich in sugar and

fat. They may go well with tea and coffee, but lack fiber. But there's a solution to these good old treats, in-crease your fiber intake, and balance it out. Bottomline: Sugar may go straight to your thigh, but it can also be the cause of constipation. Red Meat without supplementing meals with vegetables: If you con-sume pork or beef regularly, without veggies on the side, you may have already experienced constipation. Make it a habit to accompany this precious chunk of meat with salad, cooked vegetables, and whole grain cereal; something that is rich in fiber. Bottomline: Guess how long it takes to digest meat? No, you're wrong, it takes 90 hours to partially digest meat. Caffeine: So no one can give up cof-fee, black tea and colas. They give you the much needed buzz to start your day and keep you going through

strenuous meetings, commutes, and just about everything else. Un-healthy dependency aside, caffeine dehydrates the human body and de-hydration is one of the main causes of constipation. Bottomline: If you're addicted to caffeine, it's better to cut down and supplement it with food rich in fiber. Oily food: Chips and fast foods are tempting, even for those who are determined to eat healthy. But the more oily and salty your food is, the higher your chances of developing some digestive health issues as you cross over from your 20s to the 30s. Foods that are deep fried and soaked in oil like French fries slows down the digestive process. Bottomline: Fight your cravings and every time you feel tempted to order a round of French fries make sure you drink enough water and eat enough veggies before or after.

Avoid these foods to avoid constipation

Indulge in tomatoes as they have great health value Tomatoes are now hot-favou-rites thanks to the much-talked about Tomato Festival in Spain as shown in the movie Zindagi Milegi Na Dobaara. But take a break from your favorite actors soaking in the ‘tomato fun.’ It’s time to know the health benefits of this rich easily available veg-etable. Anti-oxidant: Tomatoes contain a lot of vitamins A and C, mostly because of beta-carotene, and these vitamins act as an anti-oxi-dant, working to neutralize dan-gerous free radicals in the blood stream. Free radicals in the body can be flushed out with high lev-els of Lycopene, and the tomato is so amply loaded with this vital anti-oxidant that it actually de-rives its rich redness from the nutrient. These dangerous free radicals can cause cell dam-age. Also, remember that cook-ing destroys much of vitamin C, so stick to raw tomatoes for these benefits. So, do remember

to carry a tomato-cucumber sandwich in your tiffin box.Vision: Because of all that vi-tamin A, tomatoes are also an excellent food to help improve your vision. This also means tomatoes can help your eyes be better about night blind-ness. Cancer: Various studies have shown that because of all that lycopene in tomatoes, the red fruit helps to lessen the chanc-es of prostate cancer in men, and also reduces the chance of stomach cancer and colorectal cancer. Lycopene is consid-ered somewhat of a natural miracle anti-oxidant that may help to stop the growth of cancer cells. And, interestingly enough, cooked tomatoes pro-duce more lycopene than do raw tomatoes, so enjoy that tomato soup! Heart troubles: Due to potas-sium and vitamin B, tomatoes help to lower blood pressure and to lower high cholesterol levels. This, in turn, could help prevent

strokes, heart attack and oth-er potentially life-threatening heart problems. Skin care: Because of high amounts of lycopene, tomatoes are excellent for skin care. Make sure the inside of the tomato skins are against your skin, and let this be there for at least 10 minutes. Then wash off. You face will be cleaner and give a

shiny look. Hair: Remember all that vita-min A in tomatoes? Well, it’s good for keepi ng your ha i r s t rong and sh iny , and i t s a l so good for your eyes , tee th , sk in and bones . Bones : Tomatoes have a fa i r amount o f v i tamin K and ca lc ium, both o f which he lp to s t rengthen

Smoking may lead to ovarian cancer

Celebrate health with tomatoesScientists have for the first time linked smoking with ovarian cancer - the sec-ond most commonly diagnosed gyn-aecological cancer in Australia with a five-year survival rate of only 40 per cent.Andy Lee and Colin Binns, both pro-fessors from the Curtin University's School of Public Health, took part as members of the Collaborative Group on Epidemiological Studies of Ovar-ian Cancer based at Oxford University and funded by UK Cancer research.Their work involved the completion of two studies in China, which were fed into a pool of data totalling 28,114 women with, and 94,942 women without, ovar-ian cancer, the journal Lancet Oncology reported."Previously there was only a weak link be-tween smoking and ovarian cancer, com-ing from a paper in 2009. This new analy-sis firmly establishes that relationship for one particular type of ovarian cancer, mu-cinoid tumours, which account for about 15 percent of the total of all ovarian can-cers," Binns said, according to a univer-sity statement.Outcomes were consistent along 13 socio-

demographic and personal characteristics which were taken into account, including body-mass index, use of alcohol, use of oral contraceptives and menopausal hor-mone therapy.Binns said more research was needed to understand how smoking stimulated the creation of mucinoid tumours, but stressed the first step in prevention was for women to quit cigarettes."While giving up smoking is the best ad-vice, we did find evidence that drinking green tea, breastfeeding, eating fruit and vegetables, getting regular exercise and avoiding obesity were also beneficial," he said.

NATION DAILY ZABARWAN TIMES

7 SRINAGARTuesday, 06 August,2013 Kashmir Thunder

Saturday 03 . 08 . 2013

Uproar in Lok Sabha over Telangana, Bodoland issues

Lok Sabha witnessed slogan shouting by members against the proposal to form Telan-gana and demand for Bodoland during Ques-tion Hour on the first day of the monsoon ses-sion of Parliament on Monday.

Soon after new members took oath and obituary references were made, Telugu De-sam Party (TDP) members and Congress MPs opposed to Telangana walked into the Well and shouted slogans.

TDP members, who were also protesting

against TRS Chief K Chan-drasekar Rao’s remarks that officials who hail from Seemandhra but are work-ing in Telangana region will have to go back, were heard shouting “We want justice”.

Congress MPs from Andhra Pradesh opposing Telangana walked into the Well to press for their de-mand. They carried plac-ards which said, “We want justice for Seemandhra area” and “We want united Andhra Pradesh”.

At one point, TDP mem-ber N Sivaprasad walked up a Congress member with a threatening gesture but was stopped by his par-ty colleagues.

Bodoland People’s Front (BPF) member S K Bwiswmuthiary walked into the Well with a banner that read: “Bod-oland MPs strongly stand for a separate state of Bodoland“.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kamal Nath tried to pacify the members but could not be heard in the din.

Speaker Meira Kumar asked the agitating members to go back to their seats but her re-quest went unheeded. After one starred ques-

tion was taken up amid din, she adjourned the House till noon.

Earlier when the House met for the day, new members — Prabhunath Singh (RJD), Haribhai Parthibhai Chaudhary (BJP), Vithalbhai H Radadiya (BJP), Partibha Singh (Cong) and Prasun Banerjee (TMC) — took oath.

Prabhunath Singh demanded Bhojpuri be included in the Eighth Schedule of the Con-stitution to give it an official status, but the Speaker asked him to take oath in Hindi.

Lok Sabha also condoled the death of for-mer members, including Mahendra Karma and Vidya Charan Shukla, who were killed in a brutal Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh on May 25.

The House also paid homage to those killed in Uttarakhand floods and the 23 chil-dren who died after consuming mid-day meal in Chhapra, Bihar.

The Speaker led the House in condemning the Naxal attack in Chhattisgarh, Maoist at-tack on policemen in Jharkhand in which a Superintendent of Police was killed and the terrorist attack in Srinagar in which eight jawans lost their lives.

She described these attacks as “cowardly”.Prime Minister Manmohan Singh introduced new ministers inducted into his Council of Ministers — Sis Ram Ola, Oscar Fernandes, Girija Vyas, K S Rao, E M S Natchiappan, Manik Rao Gavit, Santosh Chaudhary and J D Seelam.

Durga Shakti Nagpal’s suspension: Mulayam backs son Akhilesh Yadav, silences critics

Commenting on Nagpal’s suspen-sion, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh earlier in the day said there are rules laid down and that will be fol-lowed.

Samajwadi Party (SP) supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav on Monday said his son and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav’s move to suspend the 2009-batch Indian Admin-istrative Service (IAS) officer Durga Shakti Nagpal is absolutely correct.

“It is a correct decision. If the gov-ernment had not taken a decision it would have been a problem,” he told media outside the Parliament here.

Yadav, however, refused to com-ment on whether the suspension would be revoked.

Amid a deepening political row over the officer’s sus-pension, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister today ques-tioned the ‘outcry’, and said the officers are punished if they make mistakes.

“If an officer makes a mistake, he or she is punished, just like children are punished in school. That is how a government works,” he told media in Lucknow.

Commenting on Nagpal’s suspension, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh earlier in the day said there are rules laid down and that will be followed.

“There are rules laid down and the rules will be fol-lowed. And we are in touch with the state government to find out the full details of the case,” said Dr. Singh.

The Prime Minister’s remark came hours after the Ut-tar Pradesh Government slapped a chargesheet accusing Nagpal of flouting norms and lacking administrative acu-

men.According to reports, a copy of the

chargesheet along with a report has been sent to the Department of Per-sonnel and Training (DoPT) at the Centre.

The Samajwadi Party govern-ment’s 10-page chargesheet accuses Nagpal of violating norms while or-dering the demolition of the wall of a mosque built illegally on government land at Gautam Budh Nagar in Great-er Noida.

The chargesheet came a day after Congress President Sonia Gandhi wrote a letter to the Prime, asking him to ensure that the suspended bu-

reaucrat is treated fairly.The Congress Party yesterday hit out at the Samajwadi

Party for attacking Sonia Gandhi for her support to Nag-pal, and said the ruling party in Uttar Pradesh is trying to hide what is essentially a case of corruption and illegal mining.

Congress spokesperson Sandeep Dik-shit also dismissed Samajwadi Party’s comments that Gandhi should also write a letter in support of Ashok Khemka, the Haryana IAS officer who had scrapped her son-in-law Robert Vadra’s controversial land deals and was transferred.

Nagpal was suspended last month ostensibly for tak-ing on the sand mafia and for ordering the demolition of a wall of a mosque that was being built on government land in the state’s Gautam Buddh Nagar District, where she was posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate

Abu Salem will not be returned to Portugal, rules Supreme Court

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has ruled that the extradition of un-derworld don Abu Salem to India is valid. Salem is being tried for his alleged role in serial blasts in Mum-bai in 1993 in which 257 people were killed and another 713 injured.

Salem, 45, was sent by Por-tugal to Mumbai in November 2005 along with his then companion, ac-tor Monica Bedi. He is imprisoned at the Arthur Road Jail in Mumbai.

A court in Portugal had ruled that his extradition to India was ter-

minated because of “violation” of deportation rules. Salem had argued that India had reneged on its prom-ise that he would not be tried for any crime that could result in the death penalty.

That has resulted in CBI telling the Supreme Court in Delhi that it is ready to drop charges under the anti-terror TADA law.

The trial against Salem, which had been suspended till the Supreme Court’s verdict, can now continue in a court in Mumbai.

Life hit in lower Assam, sporadic violence in Karbi Anglong

GUWAHATI: Normal life was pa-ralysed in lower Assam and Karbi Anglong today with violence and disruption of train services marking the beginning of bandhs by different organisations demanding a separate Bodoland.

A 48-hour bandh by All Bodo Stu-dents Union(ABSU) and another 1500-hour Assam strike, the longest so far in the region by United Democratic Peoples Front, began during the day to press for the demand.

ABSU had initially called a 60-hour bandh but reduced its duration in view of the coming Eid -ul-Fitr.

Train and road traffic was paraly-sed in lower Assam as bandh sup-porters squatted on railway tracks at Bijni and at several places on NH 31, official sources said.

North East Frontier Railway can-celled 11 trains plying within the state, while most major long distance trains including Rajdhani Express, Saraighat Express, Kamrup Express and Brahmaputra Mail are run-ning behind schedule, a NF Railway spokesman said.

Incidents of damaging vehicles, burning of tyres and throwing of stones were reported from Bongaiga-on, Chirang, Goalpara and Sonitpur.

All schools, colleges, markets, business and commercial establish-ments remained closed in response to

the bandh call, the sources said. The situation in trouble-torn Kar-

bi Anglong was tense due to sporadic incidents of arson reported though curfew was relaxed for six hours from 8 AM.

The sources said agitators at-tempted to set ablaze a forest range of-fice at Manja but was stopped by the security forces. Four persons have

been arrested in this connection. An all-party delegation from the

district, including Congress MLAs and MPs, left for New Delhi during the day to ask Prime Minister Man-mohan Singh, UPA Chairperson So-nia Gandhi and Union Home Minis-ter Sushil Kumar Shinde to grant a separate Karbi Anglong state along the lines of Telangana.

BJP leaders to meet party's central leadership over Vidarbha

NAGPUR: Maharashtra BJP President Devendra Phadanvis along with other leaders will meet party's top brass in Delhi to apprise them of the sentiments of the people in Vidarbha and press to club the issue of separate statehood, with the proposed Telangana Bill.

"We have decided to call on our party leaders in Delhi tomorrow and insist on combining the Vidarbha statehood issue with that of Telangana by moving an amendment in Bill for separate states," Ph-adanvis said here today.

We are seeking appointment with party leaders who are already in the national capital for the monsoon session of the Parliament, including party chief Rajnath Singh, senior BJP leader L K Advani, Gopinath Munde and Sushma Swaraj among others, he added.

Phadanvis will be accompanied by his immediate predecessor Sudhir Mungattiwar and former party MP Banwarilal Purohit along with sitting BJP MLAs Sudhakar Deshmukh, Nana Patole and others. BJP's alliance partner Shiv Sena is against formation of Vidarbha but Phadanvis has already wrested this initiative.

The party in its national executive committee meet in Bhub-haneshwar in 1992 had passed a resolution for creation of separate Vidarbha. Now, it is supporting the formation of Telangana from Andhra Pradesh.

16 arrested for arson, 4 GJM workers detained for trying to block DM's officeFour Gorkha Jan-

mukti Morcha (GJM) workers were today detained when they tried to block the en-trance of the district magistrate's office here on the third day of the indefinite bandh in the hills to demand a separate state of Gorkhaland.

Police intervened when a group of GJM workers tried to block the main gate of the district magistrate's office at about 9.30 AM. Four of them were detained, police said.

Sixteen persons were arrested last night for setting afire the Takdah forest bunglow last week, police said. With this, the total

number of those arrested has risen to 19 in connection with the incident. The bandh continued to paralyse life in Darjeeling hill areas with shops, markets, offices, schools and colleges remaining closed. Vehicles also did not ply, official sources said.

Landslides claim nine lives in Kerala, Kochi airport temporarily closed

IDUKKI/KOCHI: Nine persons died and sev-eral others were reported missing as a string of landslides triggered by heavy downpour bat-tered the high range Idukki and adjoining dis-tricts of Kerala on Monday.

The Cochin International Airport has been temporarily closed and two flights diverted as the runway got waterlogged. Periyar river and canals are overflowing after the downpour lashed the area since Sunday.

The deceased included two children and two women as their houses on the slopes of the hills in Idukki district were swept away by flash floods, police said.

A district where most people are small and marginal farmers, Idukki also suffered heavy crop and property loss.

Several persons were reported missing as a huge mound of rock and rubble came crash-ing down at Chiyyappara in Idukki while re-lief work was on in the area where landslip occurred in the early hours.

Several vehicles were trapped in the debris and rescue work hampered as roads the dis-trict got blocked by rubble spawned by land-slide and flashfloods.

"Cochin International Airport has been closed till 2.30pm as water entered the runway as the Periyar river is overflowing after shut-ters of the Edamalayalar dam were opened," airport director ACK Nair said.

The sandbanks of the Periyar river in Alu-va, where thousands are to converge to per-form the Balitharpanam ritual on Tuesday on

the day of Karkitakavavu, is flooded and the Shiva temple there almost submerged.

Ernakulam district collector Sheikh Pareed said possibilities of making alternative ar-rangements for the conduct of the ritual were being explored and the help of Navy sought to tackle the situation.

People in affected areas have been shifted to relief camps.

Chief minister Oommen Chandy has called an emergency cabinet meeting in the state cap-ital to review the serious situation and gear up the relief operations.

The IMD has cautioned fishermen not to venture into the sea in the next 48 hours as strong winds of 45-55 kmph could lash coastal areas along with heavy rain.

Anti-Telangana protests continue in Seemandhra

A series of protests continued in the See-mandhra region of Andhra Pradesh for the sixth consecutive day on Monday against the Congress and UPA’s decision to bifur-cate the state for creation of Telangana.

Samaikyandhra supporters and mem-bers of various organisations held protests across coastal Andhra and Rayalaseema districts demanding united Andhra Pradesh, though, the situation was under control, police said.

Protesters took out huge rallies and held demonstrations in Anantapur.

However, the situation is under control and peaceful, DIG (Anantapur range) B. Balakrishna said, adding that they have taken some protesters into preventive cus-tody.

The Samaikyandhra supporters, in-

cluding students, also held road-blockades, dharnas, formed human chains in Vi-sakhapatnam, Chittoor, Kurnool districts, besides in Vijayawada and Tirupati cit-ies. They also resorted to tonsuring their heads, washing clothes and cooking food on the roads at some places.

A report from Visakhapatnam said agi-tation for united Andhra Pradesh contin-ued there with rallies, demonstrations and forming human chains by various organi-sations and Samaikyandhra joint action committee (JAC) students.RTC employees staged a dharna in front of Maddilapalem bus depot demanding the Centre not to bi-furcate the state.The relay hunger strike of JAC of lawyers of various bar associations, who boycotted courts till August 8, entered second day on Monday.